Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a rich peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth. Each cookie has perfectly crispy edges and a soft, dense center that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Pure Comfort
Nothing beats the nostalgic aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafting through your kitchen. These cookies bring back childhood memories while creating new ones with their perfect texture and deep nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
What You Need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Fork for cross-hatch pattern
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars in a stand mixer for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill dough for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls.
- Create cross-hatch pattern with fork tines.
- Bake 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Make It Perfect
Watch your cookies carefully during the last few minutes of baking. They should be just slightly golden at the edges but still look soft in the center. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Mix It Up
Try adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also experiment with crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
Perfect Partners
Serve these cookies with:
- Cold glass of milk
- Hot coffee or tea
- Vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches
- Chocolate milk for extra indulgence
Busy Day Hero
Make the dough ahead and keep it chilled until ready to bake. You can also portion the dough into balls and freeze them for quick baking later.
Work Ahead
The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance when stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Save Some For Later
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Everyone’s Happy
These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie exchanges, or afternoon snacks.
Good For You Too
Made with real peanut butter, these cookies provide protein and healthy fats. Use natural peanut butter for less sugar and processed ingredients.
Easy Clean Up
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. Use a cookie scoop to keep your hands clean while portioning.
Switch It Up
Try these variations:
- Add mini chocolate chips
- Sprinkle with sea salt
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Add crushed peanuts to the top before baking
Simply Perfect
These classic peanut butter cookies strike the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated, making them suitable for any occasion.
FAQs
- Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure to stir well before using. - Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents spreading and develops flavor. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - Why are my cookies crumbly?
This usually means they’re overbaked or the dough is too dry. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe doubles well for larger batches. - Why do I need to make the fork marks?
This helps them cook evenly and creates the classic look. - Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These thick and chewy peanut butter cookies are a timeless classic that never disappoints. With their perfect texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.